According to Nintendo, the new characters to be included are Tanooki Mario, Cat Peach and Link. There will be a Blue Falcon kart, to represent the F-Zero franchise (a series of futuristic racing video games) included with the new vehicles.

Among the race tracks will be the classic Wario's Gold Mine from Mario Kart Wii and one from the world of The Legend of Zelda.

This add-on's new characters will be Dry Bowser, the iconic mayor's secretary Isabelle, and an Animal Crossing Villager. There will also be at least one track from the Animal Crossing world.

On its website, Nintendo said that both packs are available for pre-purchase at £7 for one and £11 for the pair. If both are bought – together or separately – the player will gain additional benefits such as eight new colours for Yoshi and Shy Guy with straight away.

To pre-purchase the packs, Mario Kart 8 owners can go to the in-game shop icon or go to the Nintendo eShop on their Wii U.